The Scriptures are quite clear that temptation arises from our own sinful nature, James writes “ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempted he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (ch 1:13 to 15).
Jesus Christ is the only person who had the same nature as ourselves therefore faced temptations and yet did not sin. So in our talk we shall look at THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST in the way he used THE OLD TESTAMENT (Deuteronomy chs 6 and 8) to combat temptation, particularly his example in the wilderness.
In order to grasp the meaning of temptation we shall look at the failure of ADAM AND EVE (Genesis 3:6) and how the delineation of that failure is a description used elsewhere in Scripture as THE WORLD which we are directed to “overcome (see 1 John 2: 15 to 17).
Because we are mortal and sinful the action of the Word of God produces a CONFLICT in our minds between God’s will and our own (Romans 7:14 to 25). We shall look at this spiritual battle, noting the importance of searching the Bible so that:
Make manifest the true nature of temptation.
Indicate the right and wrong courses of subsequent action.
Direct and guide into the right course.
The NECESSITY OF COMMITMENT will be considered. If we really desire to be the true servants of the Master, and to be less tempted by unsavoury situations and people it is vital that we “ seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matt 6:33). To that end we shall look at the need to find companionship and fellowship with those committed to the Gospel.
The description of the man or woman who will find a place in the Kingdom is “he that feareth God” (Acts 10:35). FEAR or REVERENCE OF GOD is a vital attitude, which can aid one to combat the evil of temptation; we shall draw from Scripture the practicable advice on this matter.
It is important to learn from past mistakes, sadly Israel failed to do this, note the encyclical nature of the sins of Israel in the book of Judges - sin, suffering, supplication and salvation (Judges 3:6,8,9 and 10). Once we succumb to the same temptations our consciences can be cauterized, in that situation our future in the eternal purpose of God is in doubt if we do not repent and change our attitude and behaviour. We shall look at REPETITIVE SIN, and the scriptural advice. Finally we shall look at FORGIVENESS that God extends where we do fail.
Questions
1. Think of examples of those who were faced with temptation. How did they overcome the temptation? How can we apply this in our lives?
2. How did Christ overcome His temptation in the wilderness?
3. Reflect on the incident of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife in Gen 39. What did he do in the course of the temptation. How does that apply in our lives?